CHAPTER ONE

1.0 Introduction

1.1 Background of the Study

Office buildings are essential infrastructure that serves as the operational hub for various

activities within institutions and organizations. They accommodate administrative offices,

meeting spaces, and other support facilities critical to the functioning of an institution. Adequate

maintenance and efficient management of office buildings are crucial for ensuring their

longevity, functionality, and overall operational productivity .

Maintenance culture is an attitude which is sadly lacking in Nigeria, whether in the home, office,

school or factory. Mbamali (2018) added that poor maintenance culture has become a widely

recognized problem in Nigeria which has poorly affected the quality of public properties.

Public property is property that is dedicated to public use and is a subset of state property. The

term may be used either to describe the use to which the property is put, or to describe the

character of its ownership (owned collectively by the population of a state). This is in contrast to

private property, owned by an individual person or artificial entities that represent the financial

interests of persons, such as corporations. State ownership, also called public ownership,

government ownership or state property, are property interests that are vested in the state, rather

than an individual or communities (Wikipedia, 2023).

Maintenance culture in Nigeria is one of the lowest around the world, especially, in our principal

towns and cities where the majority of public properties are located. In the rural areas, the story

is different and pleasant to hear. The traditional practice of communal clearing of community
owned places such as market playground is in almost every village and in private homes. Also, it

is customary to refurbish building interiors with mixtures of cow dung or natural red clay. The

end result is attractive and totally indigenous

The maintenance and management of office buildings play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth

operation of any institution. In the case of the Federal Polytechnic Ede, located in Osun State,

Nigeria, the efficient maintenance and management of its office building is of paramount

importance. Office buildings serve as the nerve center of the institution, housing administrative

offices, classrooms, and various support facilities. It is essential to maintain these buildings in

good condition to provide a conducive environment for staff, students, and visitors

(Odesola, 2019).

In Nigeria, like in many other developing countries, maintaining and managing office buildings

can present significant challenges due to factors such as limited resources, inadequate

infrastructure, and a lack of expertise in facilities management (Ezeokonkwo & Ugwu, 2021).

These challenges often result in deteriorating infrastructure, substandard maintenance practices,

and inefficient space utilization. Furthermore, the absence of comprehensive maintenance and

management strategies can lead to a detrimental working environment, decreased operational

efficiency, and compromised occupant well-being (Odesola, 2019).

The Federal Polytechnic Ede, situated in Osun State, Nigeria, encounters similar challenges in

the maintenance and management of its office building. The office building at the institution

plays a critical role in housing administrative offices, classrooms, and support facilities, all of

which are essential for the effective functioning of the polytechnic.

Over time, the office building may have experienced various maintenance and management

issues that require attention. These issues can range from infrastructure deterioration to

inadequate maintenance practices, which ultimately hinder the functionality and efficiency of the

building (Ezeokonkwo & Ugwu, 2021).

Conducting a comprehensive assessment of the maintenance and management practices

specifically for the office building at the Federal Polytechnic Ede is essential to identify the root

causes of these issues and propose effective solutions. By evaluating the current condition of the

building, identifying the challenges faced, and analyzing existing practices, recommendations

can be made to improve maintenance strategies, optimize resource allocation, enhance staff

responsibilities, and prioritize areas for improvement.

In line with the above, the researcher wish to assess the maintenance and management of office

building at the federal polytechnic Ede Osun State Nigeria.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Over time, the office building at the Federal Polytechnic Ede has faced numerous challenges in

terms of maintenance and management. These challenges have led to various issues, including

deteriorating infrastructure, inadequate maintenance practices, and inefficient space utilization.

Such problems can hinder the overall productivity and functionality of the institution. Therefore,

a comprehensive assessment of the maintenance and management practices is needed to identify

the root causes of these issues and propose effective solutions. On this note the researcher wish

to carry out the research by assessing the maintenance and management of office building at the

federal polytechnic Ede Osun State Nigeria

The following questions will guide the researcher in achieving the aim of the research

1. What is the current condition of the office building, including its infrastructure, facilities,

and systems?

2. What are the challenges and constraints faced in the maintenance and management of the

office building?

3. What are the existing maintenance and management practices, including maintenance

strategies, budget allocation, and staff responsibilities?

1.3 Aim and Objectives of the Study

The aim of this study is to assess the maintenance and management practices of the office

building at the Federal Polytechnic Ede, Osun State, Nigeria.

The specific objectives of the study are to:

1. evaluate the current condition of office buildings in the study area.

2. Analyze maintenance and management practices in the study area.

3. identify the challenges and constraints faced in the maintenance and management of the

office buildings.

1.4 Significance of the Study

The study on assessment of the maintenance and management practices of the office building at

the Federal Polytechnic Ede, Osun State, Nigeria. Firstly, it will provide valuable insights into

the current state of the office building at the Federal Polytechnic Ede, highlighting the areas that

require immediate attention. Secondly, it will identify the challenges and constraints faced by the
institution in maintaining and managing the office building effectively. Understanding these

challenges will aid in developing targeted solutions to improve maintenance practices.

Furthermore, this study will contribute to the body of knowledge on maintenance and

management of office buildings in educational institutions, specifically in the Nigerian context.

1.5 Scope of the study

The scope of this study is focused on the assessment of the maintenance and management

practices of the office building at the Federal Polytechnic Ede, Osun State, Nigeria. The study

will examine various aspects, including infrastructure, facilities, maintenance strategies, budget

allocation, and staff responsibilities..

1.6 Limitation of the Study

It is important to note that this study does not encompass the assessment of other buildings or

facilities within the polytechnic campus. And also lack of proper record of property management

will cause some limitation to the study but this will not in any way affect the outcome of the

research.

1.7 Study Area Overview

The study area for this research is the Federal Polytechnic Ede, located in Osun State, Nigeria.

The Federal Polytechnic Ede is an educational institution dedicated to providing technical and
vocational education to students. The polytechnic offers a wide range of programs and courses

across various disciplines.

The focus of this study is on the maintenance and management of the office building within the

Federal Polytechnic Ede campus. The office building serves as a central hub for administrative

activities, housing administrative offices, classrooms, and support facilities. It is a vital

component of the institution, facilitating the smooth functioning of administrative operations,

academic activities, and student services.

Osun State, where the Federal Polytechnic Ede is situated, is located in the southwestern part of

Nigeria. The state is known for its rich cultural heritage, historical landmarks, and a growing

educational sector. Osun State is characterized by a mix of urban and rural areas, with Ede

serving as one of the prominent urban centers.

The choice of the Federal Polytechnic Ede as the study area provides an opportunity to examine

the maintenance and management practices of an educational institution in the Nigerian context.

By focusing on the office building within the polytechnic, the study aims to assess the current

state of maintenance, identify challenges faced, and propose recommendations for improvement.

Conducting the study within the Federal Polytechnic Ede offers practical insights into the

specific maintenance and management issues encountered by the institution. The findings and

recommendations can then be used to inform decision-making processes and enhance

maintenance practices within the office building.

1.8 Definitions of Terms

Office Space: A room or other area for which individual work, and may show a station in
an organisation with specific duties attached to it. It is an architectural and design
phenomenon.

Property Management: Property management involves the operation, control, and oversight of

real estate properties on behalf of property owners. It includes various activities such as rent

collection, property maintenance, tenant screening and selection, lease agreements, and handling

tenant concerns or disputes (Salman & Mahmood, 2021).

Management: A relatively broad term defined “Management as the science of organization and

operation or at the practical level the act of directing and conducting affairs. Management

elements functions or activities include forecasting, planning commanding coordinating or

controlling Wikipedia (2023).

Maintenance: This means work undertaken in order to keep restore or improve every part of a

building, its service and surrounding to a currently acceptable standard and to sustain the utility

and value of the facilities in the building James (2020).

Public Property: Are properties owned by the government or one of its agencies, divisions or

entities commonly a reference to parks, playgrounds, government of any state or country. such

properties that did not earn profit or not generate income, is not compulsory to be owned by the

government alone e.g. church, mosque, that did not owned by the government but still a public

properties that is been used by the public (Odesola, 2019).